Power Steering Fluid: Inspection

CHECK FLUID LEVEL
1. Keep the vehicle level.
2. With the engine stopped, check the fluid level in the reservoir.
  If necessary, add fluid.
  
  Fluid: ATF DEXRON® II or III
  
  HINT:
  
  When the fluid is hot, check that the fluid level is within the HOT range.
  
  If the fluid is cold, check that it is within the COLD range.
3. Start the engine and run at idle.
4. Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times to raise fluid temperature.
  Fluid temperature: 80°C (176°F)
  
  Fig 1: Checking Fluid Level
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
5. Check for foaming or emulsification.
  If foaming or emulsification is identified, bleed air from the power steering system (See POWER STEERING FLUID ).
  
  Fig 2: Checking For Foaming Or Emulsification
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
6. With the engine idling, measure the fluid level in the reservoir.
7. Stop the engine.
8. Wait a few minutes and remeasure the fluid level in the reservoir.
  Maximum fluid level rise: 5 mm (0.20 in.)
  
  If the fluid level rise exceeds the maximum, bleed air from the power steering system (See POWER STEERING FLUID ).
9. Check the fluid level.
Fig 3: Measuring Fluid Level In Reservoir
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
CHECK STEERING FLUID PRESSURE
1. 2UZ-FE engine:
  Remove the air cleaner assembly with the air cleaner hose (See REMOVAL ).
2. Disconnect the pressure feed tube from the PS vane pump.
  (1GR-FE engine: See REMOVAL .)
  
  (2UZ-FE engine: See REMOVAL .)
3. Connect SST, as shown in the illustration below.
  SST 09640-10010 (09641-01010, 09641-01030, 09641-01060)
  
  NOTE: Check that the valve of the SST is in the open position.
  
  Fig 4: Connect SST To Pressure Feed Tube
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
4. Bleed air from the power steering system (See POWER STEERING FLUID ).
5. Start the engine and run at idle.
6. Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times to raise fluid temperature.
  Fluid temperature: 80 °C (176 °F)
7. With the engine idling, close the valve of the SST and observe the reading on the SST.
  Minimum fluid pressure:
  
  8,336 kPa (85 kgf/cm ² , 1,209 psi)
  NOTE:
  - Do not keep the valve closed for more than 10 seconds.
  - Do not allow the fluid temperature to become too high.
  Fig 5: Checking Steering Fluid Pressure (Close Valve Of SST)
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
8. With the engine idling, fully open the valve.
9. Measure the fluid pressure at engine speeds of 1,000 RPM and 3,000 RPM.
  Difference in fluid pressure: 490 kPa (5 kgf/cm ² , 71 psi) or less
  
  NOTE: Do not turn the steering wheel.
  
  Fig 6: Checking Steering Fluid Pressure (Fully Open Valve)
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
10. With the engine idling and the valve fully opened, turn the steering wheel left or right to the full lock position.
  Minimum fluid pressure:
  
  8,336 kPa (85 kgf/cm ² , 1,209 psi)
  NOTE:
  - Do not keep the steering wheel in the full lock position for more than 10 seconds.
  - Do not allow the fluid temperature to become too high.
  Fig 7: Checking Steering Fluid Pressure (With Engine Idling And Valve Fully Opened)
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
11. Disconnect the SST.
  SST 09640-10010 (09641-01010, 09641-01030, 09641-01060)
12. Connect the pressure feed tube.
  (1GR-FE engine: See INSTALLATION .)
  
  (2UZ-FE engine: See INSTALLATION .)
13. 2UZ-FE engine:
  Install the air cleaner assembly with the air cleaner hose (See INSTALLATION ).
14. Bleed air from the power steering system (See POWER STEERING FLUID ).